Erin A.
I'm looking in the mirror
And I like what I see
I've lost the fear and the horror
That's been eatin' at me
'Cause being with you was like a hangman's noose
I was living my life in dead man's shoes
I've had enough
Made up my mind
I'm gonna get up
And out and wild
I love myself today
Not like yesterday
I'm cool, I'm calm,
I'm gonna be ok, uh huh
I love myself today
Not like yesterday
~Bif Naked
Hi - welcome...
There are many different variations bariatric surgery, I had the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNY).
I don't need your negativity, or you to try and give me statistics of how many people have died from complications. I need you to understand that this is NOT a decision I have entered into lightly, this is not a decision made because I want to look better. This is a decision that I have made to feel better, to be healthier and to take my life back from this demon called Morbid Obesity... I LOVE MYSELF TODAY!!!!!!
Most weight-loss surgery patients will lose about 60 to 80 percent of their excess body weight with the gastric bypass procedure. Substantial weight loss occurs 18 to 24 months after surgery; some weight regain is normal and can be expected two to five years after surgery.
In addition to weight loss, surgery has been found to have a beneficial effect on many medical conditions such as: diabetes, hypertension, acid reflux, sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), urinary stress incontinence, low back pain and many others. Cleveland Clinic research has shown that 80 percent of their diabetic patients had remission from their diabetes (patients’ blood sugar levels were normal without medication). In addition, many patients report an improvement in mood and other aspects of psychosocial functioning after surgery.
After bariatric surgery, your overall quality of life is improved. Many weight-loss surgery patients express elation on being able to do things that may seem trivial to the non-obese person, such as going to the store, playing with their children, getting in and out of a car, riding a roller coaster, shopping for regular-sized clothes … the list is endless.
MY WISHLIST
These are in no Special Order:
*lose the risk of developing diabetes - DONE
*improve my asthma - DONE
*improve GERD - DONE - OFF THESE MEDS!!!
*be able to cough / sneeze / laugh hysterically without peeing on myself - DONE
*no more yeast infections under belly
*breathe better - DONE
*not sweat all the time - DONE
*thighs never rub together
*not have to have the "large" cuff to get my blood pressure taken - DONE
*clean entire house in one attempt DONE
*carry laundry up stairs - DONE
*walk upstairs without shortness of breath - DONE
*tie shoes comfortably - DONE
*be able to stand up / walk for long periods of time - DONE
*scrub my feet and other areas of my body, pain free - DONE
*cross my legs lady-like again - DONE
*dance all night - DONE
*play whatever sport / rec activity I want for a decent length of time - DONE
*not worry about fitting in a booth at restaurants - DONE
*ride amusement park rides comfortably - DONE
*get in easily / fit comfortable in the car - DONE
*wear a seatbelt comfortably - DONE
*fit in an airplane seat comfortably -
*not worry about breaking furniture - DONE
*fit in a chair with arms - DONE
*fit in the stadium seats at a Blue Jays game with my sweetie by my side - DONE
*buy shoes that are not wide width - DONE
*look down and see my feet instead of my belly - DONE
*see my bones - DONE
*have only one chin - DONE
*weigh less than my boyfriend -
*wear a bikini/tankini and not look like a blob - DONE
*never get asked again if I’m pregnant, and I’m not - DONE
*not always feel like someone is making jokes about me - DONE
*paint my toenails without struggling - DONE
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
~Tom Petty
Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y
In recent years, better clinical understanding of procedures combining restrictive and malabsorptive approaches has increased the choices of effective weight loss surgery for thousands of patients. By adding malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices that aid in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.
Advantages
The average excess weight loss after the Roux-en-Y procedure is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures. One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight. Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients. A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.
Risks
Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in the lowering of total body iron and a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.
Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of the deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements. A chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections. A condition known as "dumping syndrome " can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery. In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc. The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.
The Kaleida Health Comprehensive Weight Loss Program
at Buffalo General Hosptial (Buffalo, NY)
http://www.kaleidahealth.org/weightloss/
The modifications made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be adhered to for successful weight loss. Post-surgery dietary guidelines will vary by surgeon. You may hear of other patients who are given different guidelines following their weight loss surgery. It is important to remember that every surgeon does not perform the exact same weight loss surgery procedure and that the dietary guidelines will be different for each surgeon and each type of procedure. What is most important is that you adhere strictly to your surgeon's recommended guidelines. The following are some of the generally accepted dietary guidelines a weight loss surgery patient may encounter:
- When you start eating solid food it is essential that you chew thoroughly. You will not be able to eat steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
- Don't drink fluids while eating. They will make you feel full before you have consumed enough food.
- Omit desserts and other items with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.
- Omit carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, high-fat foods and foods with high fiber content.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Limit snacking between meals.
Although the short-term effects of weight loss surgery are well understood, there are still questions to be answered about the long-term effects on nutrition and body systems. Nutritional deficiencies that occur over the course of many years will need to be studied. Over time, you will need periodic checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and Vitamin B12, folate and iron levels. Follow-up tests will initially be conducted every three to six months or as needed, and then every one to two years.
OHIP contacts are:
The telephone number is 807-475-1354
The fax number is 807-475-1427
Address is:
435 James St. South
Suite 113
Thunder Bay, ON
P7E 6T1
THE ABCs
By Angel Tammy McFarlane from Cambridge, ON, Canada
A is for anger. Anger at myself that I have failed at so many different weight loss treatments and anger at other people for their lack of compassion. I have tried everything throughout the years. Although I am successful in every other aspect of my life, I have failed miserably at losing weight and keeping it off.
B is for bust. When I eat, my bust is a shelf that catches all crumbs and drips. I always have spots on my shirts instead of in my lap like other people! Forget the pretty, frilly bras that normal sized women wear. My bras are “medieval torture devices”. I’m really looking forward to buying bras at Victoria’s Secret!
C is for cruelty. We all shake our heads at the cruelty of some people towards others who are different in some way. However, those same people think nothing of making comments about obese people that cut them to the core. “You have such a pretty face….”, “why don’t you do something about that extra weight?”, “what makes a person want to eat so much food?”, “are you sure you should eat that?", etc, etc. And then there are the looks of scorn and disgust. So much for appreciating diversity and accepting everybody as they are! That is the biggest joke of all. We take pride in Canada as being a country that embraces all people. We’re inclusive, we’re respectful of all people, and we really care!! That is, unless you happen to be obese. Then all bets are off.
D is for depression. Being obese is no picnic so to speak. I have struggled with depression for as long as I have struggled with my weight. It is easy to agree with the opinions of others that I am just a weak, undisciplined person. It is hard to find your way out of the dark pit of despair when everyone around you blames you for the condition you find yourself in.
E is for eating. I eat the same things that my family eats. However, binge eating is my downfall and why I am so overweight. Why do I binge? I have no clue but the beauty of weight loss surgery is that it will stop the binge eating. If I overeat, I will throw up. It is that simple. I hate to throw up but I will choose that any day over living with daily binges for the rest of my life.
F is for fun. When you are obese you miss out on a lot of fun. There are activities and events I forego because I either am not physically able to participate or am too embarrassed about my size to want to try.
G is for Genetics. There is obviously some correlation there. Several studies show that children born to obese parents and adopted to thin parents grow up to have a weight problem, or a lifelong struggle to control their weight. I am sick of this battle.
H is for hide. Sometimes I want to just hide away from the rest of the world. Unlike God who sees our inner person, some people seem to actually hate obese people strictly due to their weight. If you doubt this, check out the posts of trolls who love to torment people via various “big people” support groups. People are not neutral about obesity. It is one of the last groups of people who are considered fair game for rude comments and disdain (along with people of religion).
I is for insanity. I’m sure you have heard the definition of insanity sometimes attributed to Einstein, i.e., “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result." I am finally through trying the same old weight loss programs. I am leaving the insanity behind and going with the only permanent weight loss solution – weight loss surgery.
J is for jealousy. I am so tired of looking at people of normal weight and feeling envious. I envy their freedom to wear cute clothes, I envy their ability to do fun things with their children like riding a bike, I envy their ease at moving around and fitting in. I could go on and on. If you have never struggled with your weight, I hope you know how blessed you are.
K is for kids. Kids can be even crueler than adults. Adults are usually more subtle in their put downs and condescending ways. With kids, there are no holds barred. Sure, some of the comments are innocent such as “Are you having another baby?”. Others are quite the opposite. My son is constantly teased by other kids because of my weight. Of course the reality is that children reflect the views and beliefs of their parents. How sad that parents see nothing wrong with kids hurting other kids with cruel taunts.
L is for love. I love my husband and sons and do not want to die young. The thought of leaving my little boys without a mother is more than I can bear. My sons need me and I want to be here for them for as long as they need me.
M is for money. I obviously spend a lot of money on food and groceries. Also, plus size clothes cost more than normal sized clothes. What a waste of money! I would much rather spend my money on fun vacations, nice things for my home, etc, etc.
N is for nightmare. Being morbidly obese is like being trapped in a nightmare you cannot wake up from. Everywhere you turn there are reminders that you are not “normal” and don’t fit in. Living in a society that seems to treasure youth and thinness over all other qualities is definitely a nightmare for me.
O is for ordinary. Thin people have no idea how difficult some ordinary activities can be for obese people. Every aspect of my life is impacted by my weight. It is hard to walk, tie my shoes, put on pantyhose, do chores, etc. Ordinary things that thin people never worry about cause me a great deal of consternation. For example, my son’s school had a concert in the gym. I stopped in horror at the bottom of the bleachers as I realized that I was going to have to climb a few rows to get to my seat. I was so afraid that the seats would break under my weight. Or how about those folding chairs they use at various events? Do you ever worry about having the chair break out from under you? I do. Most ordinary people can walk between two parked cars. Not me – I have to turn sideways and sometimes I still get my clothes dirty from rubbing against one of the cars.
P is for pain. Above and beyond the emotional pain of being obese, there is also the physical pain. I am in pain every day of my life. I have pain in my hips, knees, ankles, and feet. And don’t forget my back. As I write this, I’m experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back that started 3 days ago. People tell me helpful exercises to improve the muscles of my back but I am not physically capable of doing the very exercises that will help me.
Q is for quack. I’ve been to a couple of “doctors” who should not be allowed to practice medicine. While there are many excellent doctors who treat bariatric patients, there are also a few slime balls out to make a quick buck on vulnerable people. For example, I went to a doctor whose patients all had thyroid problems! Isn’t that amazing? All of us were treated with thyroid pills but guess what? It didn’t work. I stopped taking them when my family doctor insisted that I stop taking the pills because they could cause permanent problems and I did not have a thyroid problem to begin with. Then there are the doctors with their miracle vitamins or liquid diets. Please. Why do people keep going to these creeps? Two reasons, desperation and the fact that most legitimate doctors do not know how to treat morbid obesity.
R is for restaurants. Ever try to fit into a booth when you’re a size 4X? Many hostesses are very good at casually asking if you would prefer a table. They have seen heavy people unable to fit comfortably in a booth and so try to save you the embarrassment of trying the booth and then having to ask for a table instead. Even so, some restaurant chairs are equally uncomfortable. Some have arms that cut into your hips or thighs and some are just plain flimsy. Then there are the restaurants where tables are squeezed tightly together with very little aisle space. It is so humiliating to try to squeeze by in order to get to your table. I’m sure the other patrons don’t appreciate having my chest and rear end squish against them as I walk by either!
S is for sweat. I am miserable because I am so hot all the time. When other people are cold, I am hot and sweaty. I hate having damp undergarments and beads of sweat on my forehead. I can’t wait until I can wear all kinds of fabrics again instead of cotton year round!
T is for technology. It is amazing how far weight loss surgery has come in the last few years. It is nothing like the old intestinal bypass operations, which were dangerous and often left the patient with life long health problems. I am so grateful for modern technology including the tools and methods that will allow my surgeon to perform my Roux-en-Y.
U is for ultimatum. In January 2003, my wonderful doctor took my hand and very compassionately told me I was headed for a heart attack, stroke or would end up disabled in a wheel chair if I did not lose weight. Sure, other doctors had talked to me about my weight (many in a condescending manner) but this was the first time I clearly heard “lose weight or else!” from a doctor who really cared about me as a person.
V is for vacations. There are no plus size seats for airplanes, amusement rides, and other tourist attractions where they pack you in like sardines so they can make more money. Turnstiles are really fun too. Luckily I’ve never gotten stuck in one but I know some people who have to use a separate gate because they can’t fit through the turnstile. I love going to tropical locations for vacation. I look forward to enjoying warm sunny places. It is not just the “S is for sweat” aspect; it is also the embarrassment that stops me from wearing a bathing suit. I love to swim but I can’t stand the looks from other people who think they are better than me because they are thin.
W is for weight (what else could it be?). I need to lose more than half of my current weight to be considered normal. Obviously there is no quick fix or miracle pill that will solve this problem. Weight loss surgery is serious business and I’m not going into this with my eyes closed. I accept that there will be pain at first. I accept that my life and habits will change dramatically. I accept that I cannot undo this surgery once it is done. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. If I had a brain tumor I would not hesitate to have what is arguably the most serious form of surgery – brain surgery.
X is for XXXL. All my clothes are 3X or 4X. I hate seeing all those nasty X’s! I buy clothes because they fit. I want to get to the point where I buy clothes because I like how they look. I can’t wait to stop shopping at the plus size stores (not that there are that many to choose from).
Y is for years. I have wasted too many years trying to find a permanent weight loss solution. I am now in my mid-thirties. I want the rest of my life to be free from weight issues.
Z is for zest. I want to enjoy every day and experience things I have shied away from because of my weight. I want to truly experience what it means to have a zest for life.
LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE
LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our every day life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall...in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious.
LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it?
LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from incredible burden they were never meant to carry.
LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our heath even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help?
LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position.
LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well.
LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED!
LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat.
LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have this surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty.
LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society.
LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?"...And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower."
LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again.
LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless.
This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary.
LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality.
LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person.
LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate.
LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for.
LISTEN to the sigh of relief as we wake up in pain...but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it...because I'm alive!
LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the loosing side.
LISTEN our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat.
LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of water.
LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure."
LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all.
LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese.
LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions.
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon.
LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions.
LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from
the "comfort foods" we can no longer have.
LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, vitamins, protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time".
LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert."
LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality.
LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight.
LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live life.
LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way.
LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen.
And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.
The widespread use of support groups has provided weight loss surgery patients an excellent opportunity to discuss their various personal and professional issues. Most learn, for example, that weight loss surgery will not immediately resolve existing emotional issues or heal the years of damage that morbid obesity might have inflicted on their emotional well-being. Most surgeons have support groups in place to assist you with short-term and long-term questions and needs. Most bariatric surgeons who frequently perform weight loss surgery will tell you that ongoing post-surgical support helps produce the greatest level of success for their patients.
Nutritional Guidelines After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY)
Your diet after gastric bypass surgery is designed to restrict caloric intake to produce desired weight loss, to help develop appropriate eating habits and to prevent disruption or obstruction of your pouch.
In addition, it is strongly recommended to pursue weight loss in preparation for surgery. Even a small amount of weight loss may contribute to a decreased surgical risk during bariatric treatment.
1. Drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated
2. Eat adequate protein
3. Take required vitamin and mineral supplements to meet Recommended Daily Allowances.
Diet Principles:
1. Drink 6-8 cups of fluid each day
- Sip one cup of liquid over an hour
- Stop drinking within 30-60 minutes of a meal
- Sip allowed beverages slowly
- Do not use a straw
2. All foods, beverages and snacks that are high in calories are omitted.
3. When your doctor gives you permission, vitamin/mineral and calcium supplements are required daily. Additionally, vitamin B12, iron and zinc also may be recommended.
4. Eat very slowly. Foods need to be thoroughly chewed to prevent blockage.
5. Stop eating as soon as you are full. Indications of fullness are: a) a feeling of pressure in the center just below your rib cage, b) a feeling of nausea, c) a pain in your shoulder area or upper chest. Contact your doctor if the above symptoms persist or worsen.
6. Include protein first at each meal to help maximize protein intake. As your pouch expands, you may only need to eat 3 meals and 1-2 high-protein snacks each day.
7. The diet will be advanced gradually, depending on tolerance:
Phase I: Clear liquid diet (in hospital only)
Phase II: Full liquid diet (1-2 weeks)
Phase III: Puree diet (2 weeks)
Phase IV: Soft diet (2 weeks)
Phase V: Regular diet (after 1-2 months)
Foods That May be Difficult to Tolerate After Surgery:
| Meats and Meat Substitutes |
|
| Starches |
|
| Vegetables |
|
| Fruits |
|
| Miscellaneous |
|
| *Sweets |
|
* Sweets should NOT be part of your diet if you want to reach your weight-loss goal followed by weight maintenance.
Regular Diet
1. After 2 weeks on the Soft Diet, you may begin the Regular Diet if ready. You may be ready for this phase at 1 month after surgery or possibly not until 2 months after surgery. Everybody progresses differently.
2. This is the last stage of the diet progression. Continue to add new foods in slowly. Raw fruits and vegetables can be added in as tolerated. You may want to avoid the skin and membranes on fruit.
3. Follow a low-fat diet and avoid simple sugars for life. Your protein goal remains at a minimum of 60 grams each day. For successful weight loss, caloric intake may range between 800-1200 calories each day. Ask your registered dietitian how many calories are appropriate for you.
4. Continue to eat 5-6 small meals each day. As your pouch expands, 3 small meals and 1-2 high protein snacks may be more appropriate.
5. Continue to take your prescribed supplements for life.
6. Keep yourself hydrated! Always drink 6-8 cups of water and low-calorie beverages daily.
7. Continue to track your daily intake and activities. Include calories, protein, fluids, supplements and exercise.
The following are examples of foods from each food group that are included on a Regular Diet:
Meat Group (7 grams protein per serving)
¼ cup egg substitute, 2 egg whites or 1 egg
¼ cup fat-free or 1% cottage cheese
1 ounce cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, pork, fish, beef)
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 ounce lean luncheon meats
1 ounce low-fat cheese
½ cup cooked beans, peas or lentils
Milk Group (8 grams protein per serving)
1 cup fat-free or 1% milk
¾ cup no-sugar-added/low-fat “lite” yogurt
1 cup sugar-free pudding made with fat free or 1% milk
1 cup cream soup made with milk
Starch Group (3 grams protein per serving)
1 slice of bread (may be tolerated better toasted)
4-6 crackers
½ cup cooked cream of wheat/rice/oatmeal
¾ cup unsweetened dry cereal
½ cup potatoes, winter squash, corn or peas
1/3 cup rice, pasta
1 cup broth-based soup
Fruit Group (0 grams protein per serving)
½ cup canned “lite” fruit
½ banana or small fresh fruit (avoid skins and membranes)
½ cup unsweetened, diluted fruit juice (limit to ½ cup a day)
Vegetable Group (2 grams protein per serving)
½ cup cooked non-starch vegetables
1 cup raw non-starchy vegetables
Fat Group
1 tsp margarine or oil
2 tsp diet margarine
1 tsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
